E3 2014: Evolve’s releases a new monster — the Kraken

Evolve is going to be special. I realized it the first time I played the project. It was the Predator game I always wanted. At E3 2014, I had a chance to play as the Kraken, an octopuslike creature that looks like a Quarren on steroids.

Unlike the Goliath, it’s a creature built for ranged attacks. I went up against the four new hunters — Maggie, Lazarus, Hyde and Bucket – on the planet Shear. It was the same map as the one Turtle Rock Studios showed before except this time it was easier to traverse as the new monster.Being able to fly gives the Kraken a big advantage.

The fact that the Kraken can fly for short distance is a boon for players taking on the role of the monster. It’s a creature built for long-range combat with moves to keep hunters at bay. It has a vortex that acts as a damaging Force push. There’s a lightning attack that homes on in on the closest foe. It has an area effect punch that’s suppose to be used in emergencies when adversaries swarm players. Lastly, the Kraken has mines that can be used to harass hunters chasing the Kraken down.

All of this is balanced by the fact that the Kraken is fairly weak compared with the Goliath. It has decent armor, but the creature can’t go head to head with an assault class. The monster is excellent at running away from traps as long as it has the high ground. I was contained a few times but was easily able to fend off my attackers by using mines and vortex.

If hunters find the Kraken, get the creature to the topside quickly for an advantage.

Using those two moves in the right area (think cliffs or tall building) will annoy the hunters A LOT. With that said, if you play as the Kraken adding a damage boost is a must. He won’t overpower hunters. It’s all about wearing them down and taking out the medic first. Once that medic is down, the Kraken can play keep away much like a sniper in a military shooter. It can put mines all around it, use vortex to keep teammates away and hopefully grind out other members of the team.

It seems to be me that the Kraken’s goal should be the end game when it reaches level 3. That’s when the monster and the players converge on a generator. The Kraken has to destroy it while the hunters have to kill the creature. But that’s where it will like have the advantage dealing damage to the structure while fending off the hunters.

Evolve is scheduled for release Oct. 21 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.